2014 Notable Children's Books

According to ALSC policy, the current year's Newbery, Caldecott, Belpré, Sibert, Geisel, and Batchelder Award and Honor books automatically are added to the Notable Children's Books list.

For your convenience, other ALA youth book awards, such as the ALA Coretta Scott King Awards, YALSA Michael L. Printz Award, Alex Award, Nonfiction for YA, Stonewall Book Award, and Schneider Family Book Award, are linked from the bottom of this list.

Younger Readers

Each spread of this playful abecediary presents a die-cut letter revealing a few clues about the hidden object -- some expected, some unusual. A visually appealing and engaging guessing game for tots and parents alike.

Ball. Sullivan, Mary. Illus. by the author. Houghton

A ball-obsessed pup desperately waits for his owner to return to continue their play. (A 2014 Geisel Honor Book)

A day in the life of a honey bee scout is full of drama, excitement and danger as it zig zags from flower to flower, spreading pollen all around.

Flora and the Flamingo. Idle, Molly Schaar. Illus. by the author. Chronicle

The budding relationship between an awkward girl and a graceful flamingo is revealed through carefully orchestrated flaps in a minimalist setting and a limited color palette. (A 2014 Caldecott Honor Book)

Fraidyzoo. Heder, Thyra. Illus. by the author. Abrams

Little T and her family romp through the alphabet creating zoo animals from paper, scissors and glue. This bursts with energy and encourages creativity.

Little Santa. Agee, Jon. Illus. by the author. Dial

What was Santa like as a child? This clever and inventive origin tale depicts how he grew from a tot in his little red onesie into the jolly fellow we know and love.

Locomotive. Floca, Brian. Illus. by the author. Atheneum

Dramatic illustrations document a family’s unforgettable weeklong train trip from Omaha to Sacramento in 1869, including meticulously-researched portraits of train, travelers, and crew. (The 2014 Caldecott Medal Book and a Sibert Honor Book)

Lulu and the Dog from the Sea. McKay, Hilary. Illus. by Priscilla Lamont. Whitman

While Lulu, her family, and Sam the dog are enjoying a vacation in a seaside cottage, Lulu befriends a stray dog living in the dunes. Simple text, charming illustrations, and fully-realized characters, including the dogs.

The synergistic influence of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahalia Jackson, on the Civil Rights movement -one with his words and the other with her powerful voice - is breathtakingly described in word and picture.

Mitchell likes knocking things down! Dad wisely decides to take him bowling. Animated digital art depicts the ups and downs of this father-son outing -- with the highs celebrated with a steamin'-hot-potato dance!

Moo! LaRochelle, David. Illus. by Mike Wohnoutka. Walker

Using just the word "Moo!" to express his excitement, glee, fear, consternation, and embarrassment, an adventuresome cow has the adventure of a lifetime when he steals the farmer's car.

Mr. Tiger is tired of his proper clothing and gentlemanly manner. Venturing into the wild, he learns it's not all that he expected. Lush illustrations celebrate this expression of individuality and freedom.

Mr. Wuffles! Wiesner, David. Illus. by the author. Clarion

In a nearly wordless science fiction tale of epic and miniature proportions, a cat finds a new toy that is a tiny spaceship. Illustrations shine in this innovative picture book-graphic novel hybrid. (A 2014 Caldecott Honor Book)

During one long Norwegian night, a father and son explore their powerful emotions of love and loss, but also hope and healing. Grief and loss are explored through a simple plot and complex characters. (A 2014 Batchelder Honor Book)

My Happy Life. Lagercrantz, Rose. Illus. by Eva Eriksson. Gecko

In this simple chapter book translated from the Swedish, Dani starts school and finds a best friend, who then sadly moves away; a portrait of an optimistic child working her way through a broken heart.

This vibrant, bilingual portrayal of Tito Puente, the King of Mambo, conveys the rhythm and movement of the musical legend through the use of bold colors, swirly lines, and carefully placed word art. (A 2014 Belpré Illustrator Honor Book)

The Tortoise & the Hare. Pinkney, Jerry. Illus. by the author. Little, Brown

The familiar Aesop's fable, here set in the American southwest, features a nearly wordless text and sunny, earthy, and luminous watercolors.

Warning: Do Not Open This Book! Lehrhaupt, Adam. Illus. by Matthew Forsythe. Simon & Schuster

This inventive presentation shows the importance of heeding warnings as mischievous monkeys, toucans, and alligators have fun breaking the rules.

The Watermelon Seed. Pizzoli, Greg. Illus. by the author. Disney/Hyperion

A watermelon-loving crocodile becomes distraught after swallowing a seed, believing it will grow inside of him. An innovative look at a childhood fear with color illustrations fresh as a cool slice of watermelon. (The 2014 Geisel Medal Book)

Xander's Panda Party. Park, Linda Sue. Illus. by Matt Phelan. Clarion

Party planning has never been so fun. The jaunty rhymes and lively illustrations capture Xander's zeal to create the perfect guest list in this playful picture book.

The Year of Billy Miller. Henkes, Kevin. Illus. by the author. Greenwillow

Seven-year-old Billy starts second grade with a bump on his head and a lot of worries, but as the school year unfolds, he grows and shines. (A 2014 Newbery Honor Book)

Middle Readers

The Animal Book: A Collection of the Fastest, Fiercest, Toughest, Cleverest, Shyest--and Most Surprising--Animals on Earth. Jenkins, Steve. Illus. by the author. Houghton

Readers will lose themselves in this compendium of animals living and extinct, chock full of interesting facts and beautiful illustrations.

Barbed Wire Baseball. Moss, Marissa. Illus. by Yuko Shimizu. Abrams

Set in the internment camps of WWII, beautiful Japanese-style ink-and-calligraphy illustrations bring to life the story of Kenichi Zenimura, the father of Japanese-American baseball.

In this distinctively-visual,nostalgic graphic novel, Henry is resigned to spending a boring summer in Muskegon, Michigan, until young Buster Keaton arrives in town to spend the summer with his vaudeville troupe.

Bo at Ballard Creek. Hill, Kirkpatrick. Illus. by LeUyen Pham. Holt

Set during the Alaska 1920s gold rush, orphaned Bo is adopted by two tough but loving gold miners; she experiences plenty of adventure, charmingly illustrated.

The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible...on Schindler's List. Leyson, Leon. illus. Atheneum

Leon Leyson, the youngest person saved by Oskar Schindler, memorably describes the Krakow ghetto, the Nazi factory where he worked, and his life in the U.S. after the war.

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdös. Heiligman, Deborah. Illus. by LeUyen Pham. Roaring Brook

Readers will gain insight into the life of a genius in this colorful introductory biography of an brilliant unconventional mathematician.

Doll Bones. Black, Holly. Margaret K. McElderry

In a distinctive coming-of-age tale, three friends set out on a life-altering quest driven by the presence of a sinister china doll that haunts their dreams and waking hours. (A 2014 Newbery Honor Book)

Compelling writing and informative photographs and maps explore the inner workings of volcanoes and highlights the work of a group of scientists dedicated to preventing the human tragedy caused by eruptions around the world.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library. Grabenstein, Chris. Random

After notorious gamemaker Luigi Lemoncello designs the town library, Kyle and 11 kids are locked inside overnight and won’t be free until they solve a series of puzzles based on famous books. Quirky and fun.

Laugh-out-loud verse and humorous line drawings capture an older brother’s frustration and a little sister’s exuberance when they spend the day fishing with dad.

The Great American Dust Bowl. Brown, Don. Illus. by the author. Houghton

Employing graphic novel format, Don Brown paints a vivid and startling picture of the 10-year span of dust storms that devastated the Midwest, and explores the human causes of this environmental disaster.

How to Catch a Bogle. Jinks, Catherine. Illus. by Sarah Watts. Harcourt

In rough Victorian England, 10-year-old Birdie proudly works as an apprentice to a bogler, luring out the scary monsters that are eating children. Fast-paced, lots of historical detail, and starring a resourceful young heroine.

Tula fights for freedom and education for herself, and ultimately for women, slaves, and dissenters, in a poetic story of nineteenth-century Cuban abolitionist and writer Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda. (A 2014 Belpré Author Honor Book)

Lincoln's Grave Robbers. Sheinkin, Steve. Scholastic

A thrilling account of a brazen plan by desperate counterfeiters to steal the body of Abraham Lincoln and use it as ransom for the release of a fellow felon.

This fascinating account of the life and work of eccentric and inventive ceramic artist George E. Ohr is enhanced by photographs and information about where to see his art today. (A 2014 Sibert Honor Book)

When his older brother enlists in 1943, Linus Muller assumes family responsibilities that introduce him to “Mister Orange,” Dutch painter Piet Mondrian. A coming of age story and a celebration of the power of art. (The 2014 Batchelder Award Book)

Monster on the Hill. Harrell, Rob. Illus. by the author. Top Shelf

In this witty graphic novel set in an alternative 1860s England, towns are proud to have scary monsters; when Rayburn disappoints his villagers, they help him reach his full potential of terror.

P. S. Be Eleven. Williams-Garcia, Rita. HarperCollins/Amistad

In this riveting sequel to One Crazy Summer, the Gaither sisters return to their grandmother's house in New York City, where they struggle with the chaos of turbulent times and changing family relationships.

Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant's Tale. Tonatiuh, Duncan. Illus. by the author. Abrams

An emotional story of the effects of undocumented immigration on those who leave and those who stay behind. Through traditional folk elements, readers follow young Pancho Rabbit in his arduous journey across the border in search of his father. (A 2014 Belpré Author Honor Book and Illustrator Honor Book)

In a tale that soars with hope and humanity, Sophie has fled Victorian London to go mother-hunting in Paris. Bounding above the streets, a pack of homeless young “rooftoppers” assist in her search. Lyrical and poetic.

Serafina's Promise: A Novel in Verse. Burg, Ann E. Scholastic

Set in Haiti and told in verse, 11-year-old Seraphina and her poor but loving family endure hunger, floods, and earthquakes while the determined girl never gives up her dreams of going to school and becoming a doctor.

Soldier Dog. Angus, Sam. Feiwel and Friends

During World War I, 14-year old Stanley becomes one of the first “keepers” of Britain’s Messenger Dog Service, training two beloved dogs with whom he endures the horrors of trench warfare.

A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin, Bryant, Jen. Illus. by Melissa Sweet. Knopf

This engaging picture book biography of artist Horace Pippin captures the essence of his life and work through tightly woven narrative and vibrant illustrations. (A 2014 Sibert Honor Book)

Sugar. Rhodes, Jewell Parker. Little, Brown

After Emancipation, young Sugar's forbidden friendship with the plantation owner’s son and her connection with Chinese immigrant workers advances her dream of a better life far from the plantation.

Older Readers

Beginning with an independent young man arriving in Philadelphia, this informative and well-paced book shines a light on one of America's most interesting Founding Fathers.

Counting by 7s. Sloan, Holly Goldberg. Dial

After the death of her parents, genius outsider Willow begins to bloom again and becomes an agent for change for the diverse group of people she meets. A surprising and inspiring story about family and friendship.

Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles, America's First Black Paratroopers. Stone, Tanya Lee. illus. Candlewick

Bolden introduces the unsung story of the U.S. Army's first African-American paratroopers unit, moving gracefully among portraits of individual paratroopers, the history of the unit, and the complex social issues of the time.

Darius & Twig. Myers, Walter Dean. Amistad

Two best friends make a pact to succeed as they struggle to escape their inner-city lives. Strong writing realizes vivid characters in this gritty novel.

Bolden scrutinizes with clarity and flawless research the many paths that led to Lincoln's famous proclamation, reviewing its historical impact on the war-torn United States during a turbulent and bitter period.

Etiquette & Espionage. Carriger, Gail. Little, Brown

In this madcap, steampunk-mystery, Sophronia Temminnick learns that etiquette and espionage go hand-in-glove when she is covertly recruited from Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality. A paranormal mashup set in Victorian England.

Far Far Away. McNeal, Tom. Knopf

An insidious predator has been abducting innocent children. Jeremy, the only one who can hear narrator Jacob Grimm, must save himself and his friends with the storyteller’s help.

Graphic design rock star Chip Kidd introduces his world and encourages readers to new ways of looking and creating.

The Living. de la Peña, Matt. Delacorte

In a thrilling survival story, Shy’s summer job on a cruise ship becomes a fight for his life. This page-turner adventure also raises important cultural and sociological issues. (A 2014 Belpré Author Honor Book)

March: Book One. Lewis, John and Aydin, Andrew. Illus. by Nate Powell. Top Shelf

Using the inauguration of President Obama as a framing device, Congressman John Lewis and graphic novelist Powell tell the story of Lewis's life and his participation in America's civil rights movement.

Navigating Early. Vanderpool, Clare. Delacorte

Sent to Morton Hill Academy after the death of his mother, Jack meets the unusual Early Auden. They set off on a quest that forces them to confront pirates, bears, doubt, loss and grief.

One Came Home. Timberlake, Amy. Knopf

In 1871 Wisconsin, 13-year-old Georgie tries to solve the mystery of her sister’s disappearance, pulling readers along on her journey of self-discovery. (A 2014 Newbery Honor Book)

Paperboy. Vawter, Vince. Delacorte

A sensitive and resilient 11-year-old boy who stutters, ventures beyond the familiar and finds his voice while taking over his best friend’s paper route in the Memphis summer of 1959. (A 2014 Newbery Honor Book)

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass. Medina, Meg. Candlewick

Piddy Sanchez’s life is turned upside down when she finds out that Yaqui Delgado wants to kick her ass. While struggling to deal with the threat on her own, Piddy explores her identity, her culture, and the role of others in her life. A powerful story about bullying and resilience. (The 2014 Belpré Author Medal Book)

All Ages

Journey. Becker, Aaron. Illus. by the author. Candlewick

Finding a magical red crayon, a bored and lonely girl draws a door on her bedroom wall that leads her to a wondrous but perilous new world. (A 2014 Caldecott Honor Book)